Twenty-five years after the end of the Great Dragon war saw Equestria battling the Draconic Alliance for pony survival against a deranged elder dragon. Now only three separate elder dragon run city-states are all that remain of the once powerful alliance. Yet even after so long there are wounds that run deep that could threaten that peace in more ways then one.

"Yes yes, that's all good and all, but I never understood why we confined the irredeemable rather than just executing them while you have them by the neck." Blondie said rather dismissively, cantering to the door. "Quite hypocritical coming from me I'm sure, but I'm at least not crazy."

The crime boss stepped mid-step as she mulled a little on what she said. "...Well alright, maybe you do need a little bit of insanity if you want to run a criminal syndicate. But I at least pay my taxes."

"Ah well. A bad egg is a bad egg, and will not suddenly turn into one that's fit for an omelet. Now let's hurry along before my mood turns sour from an empty stomach." Blondie shrugged, trotting along again without waiting to see if the others were to follow.

The walk was quick and in silence, and it wasn't long until they were already seated and had their fill. At this point, Blondie was enjoying her drink. It had been a while that someone had bought her dinner, and was not trying to take her out... In all sense of the word.

"Now, I'm sure we can have a quick chat while the bottle is still wet." Blondie said, pouring herself another cup. "Silvershine my dear, or maybe Iris, perhaps one of you two would like to explain who exactly I am to the merc and ...Longshot was it?"

"I know you probably know who I am Lucky, but I'm not sure how... entrenched you were in crime I should say?" The boss said to the pegasus across the table with a smile. "So I don't know if the rumors you heard were either flattering or downright nasty, because they wouldn't be entirely true without some context."

"Well, ma'am, I wouldn't say I've been 'entrenched' in the crime business, more of a 'freelance contractor' or 'third-party supplier'. I've never had any dealings with the higher-ups in your organisation. I just find out what sells, get that stuff, and sell it off to whoever's looking for it."

Lucky caught herself, and giggled awkwardly as she glanced at the more law-abiding members of the group. "Er, I mean, that's what I used to do, up until a few months ago."

"Anyway, back Your Honor's question," Lucky continued, nodding at Blondie, "I've heard all sorts of rumors about you, but it's generally agreed that you discourage lethal force. Most of the violent types steer clear of your territory, so I prefer to conduct business in those areas. Beyond that, I can't say I know much about you."

Longshot nodded his thanks to Magus for the time, moving to sit before the memorial. He didn't really see it, though. He instead saw all the hours debating and planning beforehoof. How honored he felt that he'd been invited to participate, how hard he fought against Twilight despite being pleased that this mare still sought soloutions other than violence. After all, he knew too well what she was capable of if she put her mind to weapons. He remembered how quickly he found himself on her side when the Princesses effectively offered themselves as bait. Longshot was keenly aware of what the loss of the Princesses might mean; it was exactly why he was so in support of removing Darkfang. Without the Princesses, his Equestria had never recovered.

He had ultimately relented, much to Twilight's ire. The Royal Sisters had been right, there was no better way to ensure Darkfang's presence and a leader, in Longshot's mind, should lead from the front. He'd simply quietly assumed responsibilty. He'd have to take the shot before Darkfang could harm them.

He failed on that front. The missing eye of the Princess of the Night was a constant reminder... He knew in his head that he had to wait for the right moment. That a miss would alert the dragon elder to the presence of something that could actually threaten her... But he looked out on the battlefield that evening and wondered... how much sooner might the Alliance have broken? How many of those who lay dead were there because he had waited to take his shot for the 'perfect' moment? Would the Goddess still have her eye if he hadn't failed her?

The minutes dragged on as the stal's thoughts swirled. It was simply the newst burden of the many he carried. The Night Watch, Ponyville, Fillydelphia, and now Appleloosa. Once again, he hadn't been quite good enough. Better than any other time before, really. But that was cold comfort. "Forgive me," he whispered quietly. "Rest peacefully..."

He waited there a moment more, thoughts turning to the future once again. He still didn't want the attention for killing Darkfang, at least he didn't want anypony seeing him as a hero. But if it drew the attention of these... troublemakers? Well that was something he was certainly capable of handling. He turned away from the monument, lightly trotting back towards Magus. "Do it. I'll let you work out the details, they don't really matter. Just let me know what you'll need from me. For now, I'm gonna focus on this crime boss."

The Unquiet Princess - Dining Room

Longshot had returned to the Sheriff's Office to find it mostly empty. Thankfully, the sheriff had been able to give directions and Longshot had managed to get to the hotel only somewhat late. He was still polishing off his salad as Blondie and Lucky spoke, and speared another forkful as he offered his opinion flatly, without malice. "You're a parasite. Any details offered won't change that fact. That's all I need to know to guard you."

Kroll shifted uncomfortably in his chair at the table, the wooden fixtures of the seat groaning under the bulk of the griffon's armor and weapons. He still couldn't understand why Silvershine was bending to the will of their prisoner and letting her roam free, let alone have her weaponry back in her possession. Regardless of the logic at play, the tercel was not one to take unnecessary and opted to keep one claw firmly clamped on his holstered rifle while at the table. After glancing under his seat to make sure his helmet was still there, Kroll turned his focus to the shallow plate of greens before him, prodding at it apprehensively with his fork. He was fairly certain that this wasn't what he ordered, causing him to suspect that either their waiter misunderstood what the tercel wanted, or accidentally gave his order to someone else in the dining area.

Glancing up at Bronze Scales, the tercel scoffed. "Nothing more than bad trouble with a large price tag is what you are...and long mouthed, too." he grunted before eating some salad he raked together with his fork, a mixed look of confusion and revulsion flashing across his marred face as he tasted his meal. "Eaugh..."

Iris sat down and ordered a cup of tea, deciding to avoid anything that would disturb focus or sleep and choosing what she wanted from the menu before finally starting to speak. "Blondie here, or Smooth Criminal as I'm used to hearing her called, is one of our 'beloved' mafia bosses. She's got a tidy ring and can be a major pain in the plot, but since her 'family' tends to deal in swindling and theft and doesn't tend to go murderous we tend to not dig too far into apprehending her minions, they can sometimes be a good network to tap into for more serious crimes. Given that one of your cronies has set their eyes on one of the most prized objects in Equestria the PSA might start digging a little more depending on what the deal is once that jewel is found again."

Picking partially at the plate the mare’s mind wandered to her uncle, the Flank Breaker had taken off hours ago, and there’d been no real word from Ponyville since they’d left. For a bit she ignored the others and Blondie’s request only speaking up after Iris. “Either way she’s our charge and only hope of regaining the Element short of a large pain in the flank then we have time to deal with.”

Blondie smirked, and leaned back in her chair, amused by the descriptions given. "Well yes, business is business, and bits are bits after all. And just because we generally discourage... disposal, because it's unneeded expenses, it doesn't mean we can't easily cover those costs. And my dear Iris, I must say that if your little PSA had existed while we were still on the rise, I'm sure we wouldn't be as 'difficult' as we are now. Try not to get too uppity however."

She closed her eyes to reminisce a little, a tiny smile growing on her face. "Ah those were the days, where the mafia actually meant something. Now it's all just financials and number crunching and pure management. I must admit this whole 'stolen element' business has almost reminded me of that spark that had gotten me into the business."

The mafioso opened an eye to look at Lucky. "Do you remember your first theft? Your heart pounding so hard you can feel it in your ears, your hooves getting sweaty hoping you won't get caught, and just the general feeling of being on edge? The exhilaration is a feeling you could never forget."

Sighing, Blondie began twirling a fork. "Now it's all just so dull. I've begun to even read to see if I can get that back again. "

"Have you ever read Daring Doo? I am just jealous at that mare, I'd try adventuring myself if it weren't for my business not allowing me to vacation for more than a few days at a time." The mob boss said innocently, directing the question at Longshot.

Longshot passively ate as Blondie spoke. His opinion stated, he didn't think he had to say anything else. He scowled at her obvious attempt to make a connection with Lucky, but didn't plan to interject. Much to his surprise however, she directed a comment at him. Instantly he was on guard, she had already made clear she was a well-informed pony. The Daring Do bit wasn't coincidence, she knew or at least suspected. After a momemnt of thoughtful chewing, he decides it doesn't really matter. Enough of "Trick Shot" was fictionalized that she couldn't really have all that much.

"Somepony who makes their living by taking from the hard work of others, giving nothing in return, fantasing about going on adventures? It's only natural for a parasite to wish themselves a hero, I suppose. Of course, the only one preventing you from making the change is you."

When Blondie asked about her first theft, Lucky shifted uncomfortably in her seat. It wasn't a memory she was proud of. It had just been a few carrots, and she had been hungry, scared, and alone. She hadn't even been able to eat them, she'd felt so nervous and guilty.

Yet another odd noise from Kroll brought her back to the present. She watched him poke frustratedly at his salad for a moment, then looked down at her own plate. After her trip down memory lane, she wasn't sure she was hungry enough to finish her spinach-and-mushroom quiche.

Trying not to interrupt Longshot as he replied to Blondie, Lucky scooted her plate in the griffon's direction. "Hey, Admiral, wanna trade?"

Kroll suspiciously eyed the plate Lucky pushed in his direction, glancing up at the mare with an equally-distrusting look. He did not understand the basis behind her referring to him as 'Admiral', nor did he find it amusing. Even so, the meal that was being offered certainly looked better than the pile of green he had been served. and the tercel was more than glad to relieve himself of the abhorrent salad.

Without another word the griffon quietly slid his plate towards Lucky before taking hers, using his fork to cut off a piece of the quiche to sample. Upon tasting the pastry, the mercenary shrugged in an indifferent manner. "Is decent--while lacking in flesh, albeit. It will do, yes." he remarks placidly before continuing to eat the savory pie, adding a few dashes of salt and pepper to add flavor.

"Oh, pish posh." Blondie waved a hoof. "What's a hero except a villain with different reasons? A thief takes what is not theirs for their own gain, an adventurer takes what is not theirs for posterity. A murderer kills a tyrant because of jealousy, a hero kills a tyrant because of oppression."

She stretched, yawning. "At the end of the day, it isn't about what our actions are, but about how the ones we care about see it. But let's move away from this topic, I believe we're going towards a sour direction, and I'm feeling quite tired."

The mare stood up to go, but stopped herself before asking "...Do I have permission to head to bed on my own, or will I need an escort?"

Kroll glanced up from his quiche, glaring incredulously between Silvershine and Bronze Scales. "You...you are trusting of her not to attempt escape?" he asked his employer, shaking his head in disbelief. "New-boss, your faith borders foolishness in this...how can you be so careless with your mark if she as so prized as you say?"

Clicking her tongue, Blondie gave Kroll a rather disappointed look. "We have gone over this back in the sheriff's office. It's the same reason why I still have all my knives and I'm not in cuffs at the moment. Frankly, escaping would be an entirely foolish endeavor for all parties involved."

She shook her head. "Honestly... Ah well, just remember to knock, Silvershine. I won't be at fault if you find a knife thrown at your head, habits are hard to suppress. And it's simply polite. Now, if you will excuse me..."

The mafioso turned towards the room and as she was walking away, she added "Oh, and Ms. Find. Could I ask you to come stop by my room after you're done eating? The decision is yours, of course, I certainly don't want to make you feel forced to do anything."

Longshot couldn't supress the smirk that formed on his face, so he tried to keep his head down in his salad instead. The weak rebuttal and waving off the topic had been a clear win in the contest of will he'd been purposefully engaging in with the crime boss. It was enough for him, and he simply chose to eat quietly as the mare made her exit.

“Less faith and more a gamble, she leaves or her people ‘make’ her leave and this becomes something more akin to your tastes Kroll.” Part of her actually found herself hoping the mare would bolt, but then there was that issue that had sent her uncle, and Princess Celestia bolting for Ponyille. “Either way, we’ll keep that in mind Blondie.” Waiting for Blondie to leave Silver had made a choice to ask Iris about this aunt she’d never heard of.

"Goodnight Smooth Criminal" Iris said, watching the mare leave and then turning to the others. "I don't trust her, but this way we at least get more sleep." She pulled out a couple of powders from the folds of her dress, mixed them in a cloud of dust and a glow from her horn turned the particles translucent and she gathered the poof into a bag and tossed it to Lucky. "Spread that by the door when you leave her room tonight, if she tries to leave through the door at least she'll leave footprints."

She threw some bits on the table. "Hope that's enough to cover my part of the bill. It's been a long day and I should try to sleep." she got up and turned to Silver. "Care to join me in my room? You must want details on what almost pulled me from the element."

Nodding to Iris, Silver pushes her plate away and stands. “I’d like that, Lucky, Longshot, Kroll get some sleep unless you three want to setup some sort of watch tonight. I’ll leave the details to you three.”

Lucy Took wrote:"Goodnight Smooth Criminal" Iris said, watching the mare leave and then turning to the others. "I don't trust her, but this way we at least get more sleep." She pulled out a couple of powders from the folds of her dress, mixed them in a cloud of dust and a glow from her horn turned the particles translucent and she gathered the poof into a bag and tossed it to Lucky. "Spread that by the door when you leave her room tonight, if she tries to leave through the door at least she'll leave footprints."

She threw some bits on the table. "Hope that's enough to cover my part of the bill. It's been a long day and I should try to sleep." she got up and turned to Silver. "Care to join me in my room? You must want details on what almost pulled me from the element."

Lucky's smile came back as she caught the bag of dust that Iris tossed to her. "Heh, didn't realize there were any pranksters in the PSA." Lucky made sure that the bag was securely closed before dropping it into a pocket in her saddlebags. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to set it up. I love an excuse to do stuff like this." She rubbed her hooves together and giggled in anticipation.

MagusZeal wrote:Nodding to Iris, Silver pushes her plate away and stands. “I’d like that, Lucky, Longshot, Kroll get some sleep unless you three want to setup some sort of watch tonight. I’ll leave the details to you three.”

Lucky nodded and waved the other two mares away. "You gals go and get some rest, it's been long day." Turning back to the stallion and griffon, Lucky continued, "And if we're going to set up watches, I volunteer to take first shift, once I'm done talking to Miss Goldielocks. I think I'm the only one here who didn't have a long day."

Iris walked up to her room, entered and shut the door and locked it as soon as Silver entered and settled herself on the bed. "I wish every day could be this interesting, just less personal. I wish we didn't have to stop before we found that element, but bodies need what bodies need. " she motioned to a chair in her room. "Long story short every family has a skeleton or two in their closet, our biggest one just so happens to be alive. Well, it appears she's alive, at least that's what Mom told me and your uncle. I've never met my crazy homicidal aunt, she's been in Tarterous all my life and I only ever heard of her before I went off to training. She used to be a doctor like my mother, even smarter than my mother, and then she just snapped and murdered a bunch of people. Rehabilitation didn't work so she was sent to Tartous years before the war. Apparently she tried to contact Mom through Sugar this afternoon."

She sat her head down. "See, your family is downright normal. I have an aunt that may be killing people right this moment."